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Who are we?

See below for a pen portrait to tell you a little about our Governors.  We are often at the school gate or school events (eg parent evenings or open days). If we are wearing our white Governor lanyard - please do speak with us - we love to hear feedback about our school.

    Andrea Griffiths - Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

I joined the Governing Board of Sissinghurst VA Primary School in November 2024.

Having moved to Sissinghurst from East Sussex in July 2023, I was keen to become involved in the local community and when the role of Foundation Governor came up I expressed my keen interest through Trinity Church.

I live in Sissinghurst with my husband, 3 dogs and a rabbit.  My daughter and grandchildren live in Staplehurst and I am a willing and involved grandparent in their lives, keen to ensure they are fulfilled in their educational experiences as well as having fun and happy upbringings with their extended families. 

I retired from an IT career in 2022 having worked in largely corporate organisations where I led some large teams and suppliers in an IT role where I was responsible for setting strategic direction and ensuring IT services were resilient and reliable.  A lot of that experience is something I can lean in to in my Governor role and I am very much enjoying being part of the School and wider Sissinghurst community.

 

Peter Denyer - Vice Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

 

Poppy Edmunds - Parent Governor

 

Charlie Tweddle - Parent Governor

 

 

       Zoe Murton - Foundation Governor

As a keen member of Trinity Church in Sissinghurst, I was delighted to become a Foundation Governor at Sissinghurst Primary in November 2025.

I’ve lived just outside Sissinghurst since 2019, when my family returned from an overseas posting in DR Congo. I have two children at the school, who keep me busy! I also run two local toddler groups (Trinity Tots in Sissinghurst and Little Lambs in Frittenden), and help lead the Sunday School at Trinity and St Mary’s churches.

After completing a PGCE in 2004, I worked in secondary schools for a number of years as a careers adviser. I then moved into charity communications, and currently work as a freelance editor. I’ve also trained as a counsellor, and am passionate about ensuring each child at Sissinghurst Primary is given a loving, supportive environment where they can truly ‘let their light shine’.

 

    Rachel Vinton - Foundation Governor

I joined as a Foudation Governor at Sissinghurst VA Primary School in January 2025 given my involvement at Trinity Church Sissinghurst. I also wanted to get involved in the governance of a local primary school. I have a variety of skills to offer given my background in the finance industry and more recently, the philanthropy sector. I am the lead Training and Development Governor and add value here in terms of thinking about how best to lead the school. My husband and I have lived outside Sissinghurst since August 2021 and have three young children.

 

Elaine Highwood - Foundation Governor

 

Emily Hill - Local Authority Governor

 

Sharmila Desai - Staff Governor

 

          Sarah Holman - Ex Officio Governor -  Headteacher

I have been Headteacher at Sissinghurst since April 2023 and in that time we have seen a period of rapid improvement as a school in all areas. I have over twenty years experience in leading schools of different sizes and enjoy seeing a transformation plan come into full effect!  I am a teacher at heart and always hold this dear to me, considering the children and how to let their light shine in every decision made at school.

Get in touch

Sissinghurst (VA) Church of England
Primary School
Common Road
Cranbrook
Kent
TN17 2BH

01580 713895